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Boxing legend: Ali, a three-time world champion, is seen above knocking Chuck Wepner against the ropes at a 1975 bout in Richfield, Ohio

'Greatest of all time': Ali, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, was diagnosed with the brain disease about three years after he retired from boxing in 1981. At left, he's pictured at after beating Sonny Liston to gain the heavyweight title in February 1964

But doctors later determined he was actually suffering from a urinary tract infection.

Ali, who is nicknamed The Greatest and the Louisville Lip, retired from boxing in 1981 with a 56-5 record.

He had not been pictured for months until today's birthday photograph.

His public appearances have diminished in recent years due to his illness, but he still enjoys getting out and watching sports and visiting friends.

Ali appeared in public in September at a ceremony in his hometown of Louisville for the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards.

He did not speak to the crowd but posed for photos with award winners, including former NFL great Jim Brown.

Brown leaned over and whispered to the seated Ali during the photo session. Later, Brown said he told Ali: 'You're the greatest of all time.'

Ali and his wife, Lonnie, have homes in Arizona, Berrien Springs, Michigan; and Louisville, Kentucky.